Katia

This past weekend was what I needed. I'm glad Kandace rescued me from my bed. I would have probably stayed there all weekend. I enjoyed her company and bonding. Even if I did get blackout drunk and call my estranged lover. It was still a good time.

I fell asleep at Elaine's. We both did. We cuddled on the couch and slept the entire afternoon away. It was peaceful and comforting. I hadn't slept that well since. . . you know. I saw her the next day before I left too.

When Clay came back, the four of us all had dinner together. It was fun. I know Elaine likes me but I didn't feel pressured to do anything I wasn't ready to do. She's very understanding and compassionate. She's a great listener too. I talked her ears off but she didn't seem to mind.

Now I am here at Christine's because she wasn't in class today and she's not answering the phone. The key is not in its usual place. Odd. I ring the doorbell and wait.

I ring it again.

I'm actually starting to worry when the door slowly opens. Her eyes are puffy and her nose is red. She's still in her robe. I come in and close the door behind me.

"I would have let myself in but your key is missing." I say.

"She didn't put it back. She never does." She mumbles to herself.

"She?"

"Lindsey." She coughs into her elbow. "Lindsey was here Saturday."

"You're sick." I say realizing now why she wasn't at school.

"Yeah I just saw your calls and texts. I was sleep. I'm sorry." She sits on the couch.

"Uh uh. Up. To your bed." I pull her up by her hands.

"It's just a cold." She sniffles.

"Well you still need rest. Obviously."

We go upstairs to her room. Her bed is perfectly made.

"Where were you sleeping?" I ask.

"Um.. in your room."

"Oh."

She climbs into her bed. "I'll be okay. You should go before you get sick too."

"What? No. I'm going to stay and take care of you."

"You don't have to do that."

"I know."

She looks confused.

I lean on the doorway. "You're an ass but I still love you, Chris."

She chuckles. "I think I have a nurse uniform somewhere around here."

I raise an eyebrow. "Yeah. Don't hold your breath."

She tries to laugh but coughs again.

"Did you eat today?" I ask.

She shakes her head no. "I'm not sure I'd keep it down."

I put my hand on her forehead.

"You're burning up." I say.

"I feel like it."

"I'll be right back." I go downstairs to get an ice pack or should I make her tea? I'll do both. I bring the items back plus some medicine I found.

"Thank you, Katia." She says after swallowing the medicine.

"You're welcome."

I crawl on the other side of her and lay down. This is the closest we've been in a while. I've missed it. I've missed her.

"I saw Elaine this weekend. We kissed."

"Oh." She says looking at me.

"Well, she kissed me and we hung out pretty much all weekend. I went to her house." I say.

Chris looks down at her twiddling thumbs. She chuckles a bit but it's not out of amusement. It's a little demented sounding. "You went to her house and.... did what?" She asks.

I know it's not right but I want to fuck with her a little bit. I don't say anything

"Katia, you didn't." She says.

"I-"

"Don't tell me." She cuts me off.

"Do you think I would do that to you?" I ask.

Her eyes soften. "No." She mutters.

We sit in silence for a while.

"I know you're mad at me. What I did was terrible and you didn't deserve it. I want you to know I'll do anything to make you trust me. I want us to work. I don't want to lose you."

"I want to break up." I say quickly. I had been toying with the idea since last night but I think I need to see it through.

She sighs. She looks as though she was expecting it though. She nods slowly. "For good?"

"Just until I can sort out my feelings and I can figure out how to really forgive you. I don't want to carry this pain and anger in my heart."

"I'm not going to stop trying." She says quietly.

I place my hand on hers. "Good."

She smiles weakly. "I should probably take that off of you."

I didn't realize I was fiddling with my collar. My heart just dropped to my stomach. "Tomorrow. Please." I say.

She nods.

We sit here in silence for so long the light bleeding in through the window disappears and the symphony of nocturnal insects begin. She fell asleep about an hour ago but I haven't moved. I don't want to move.

I'm not really sure what I'm doing but I hope it's the right thing.

_________________________________

Christine

I'm feeling better now, physically. It has been a week since Katia and I have officially broken up. It's still taking some time to get used to. I won't lie and say this Elaine business doesn't bother me. It's infuriating actually but I did this to myself. That is the most important thing to remember. I try not to think about it but most of the time I fail.

Anyway, if you were wondering, I did successfully teach Olivia bachata. She surprised Leah and it was great. Liv discovered she liked dance so much she wanted to continue her private lessons. She offered to pay but of course I declined. It's mutually beneficial. It helps me stay busy and keeps me distracted. Also she gets to impress her girlfriend and her family. Win win. Here she is now. Accompanied by none other than the woman I'm trying to get off my mind. I have her collar at home but she hasn't stopped wearing the promise ring. At least I know I'm not the only one struggling with this.

"Kat said you should take it easy because you're just getting better. Should we cancel?" Olivia asks tossing her backpack to the floor.

I look at Katia. "I'm fine. Thanks for your concern."

She gives me a sarcastic smile.

"Are you here for dance lessons as well?" I ask.

"No I was just keeping Liv company for the walk over. I'm hanging out with Tori in a sec." She says.

Olivia makes a gagging noise. I chuckle.

"Liv." Katia says elbowing her best friend.

Liv shrugs apologetically.

Right on cue Tori walks through the door.

"Kat. Hey." She smiles. "Hi Miss Bell."

"Hello." I say going back to sit at my desk.

"Olivia." Tori says.

"Tori." Olivia mumbles.

"Are you ready?" Tori asks Katia.

"Yeah." She hugs Olivia. "I'll see you later."

Liv kisses the top of her head. "If you're not home by twelve I'm calling the cops." She flicks Tori off behind Katia's back.

Tori rolls her eyes.

Katia laughs. "I don't doubt that. Have fun." She looks at me and waves.

I wave back.

Be careful.

Call me when you get home.

I love you.

So much.

"Bye." I say as the two of them leave.

Liv looks at me when we're alone. "Don't think about it too much."

If only it was that easy.

I sigh. "Let's dance."

___________________________________

Katia

This is not a date. I repeat, NOT a date. Tori and I are just two friends hanging out and going to the movies. We were talking and she said she has noticed I've been down. I told her that I broke up with my girlfriend and it's just been hard. She's actually been a really good friend. She hasn't made one sly comment or try to come on to me at all. Which is very surprising for someone who is constantly checking out anything in a skirt. My phone vibrates in my pocket.

I smile.

I fiddle with my thumbs before I text back

😊

"Is that your ex trying to win you back?" Tori throws a piece of popcorn into the air and catches it in her mouth.

"Nope."

"Are you sure you don't want anything from the concession? Once the movie starts I'm not getting up."

I laugh. "I'm sure. Thanks jerk."

She smiles and opens the door for me. Other than the ushers we are the only ones in the theatre.

"What awful movie did you pick?" I ask.

Tori laughs. "It'll be good. Watch."

We get settled into our seats and the movie starts. I can already tell it's an action packed testosterone filled monstrosity. I glance at Tori and she's entranced. The longer the movie goes on the more I lose interest. I move the arm rest between us and lay my head on her shoulder. She goes rigid. I chuckle to myself. She continues to eat her popcorn as though she's afraid to move. I fall asleep during the movie and wake up just before the credits roll.

"So did you like it?" Tori asks turning the radio down.

"It's was fine."

"Kat, you were asleep the entire time."

"I uh.." I smile sheepishly. "Sorry."

Tori laughs. "It's okay. Next time you can pick the movie."

"There won't be a next time if you don't slow down. Seriously, who gave you a license?"

"Hey! My driving is fine." She runs a hand through her hair.

"Did you get a haircut?" I ask.

She smiles. "I did."

"It looks nice. Though I was excited to see what you looked like with longer hair."

"Yeah right."

"Maybe a ponytail." I tease.

She laughs.

I couldn't actually imagine Tori with long hair. The messy short cut she wears now fits her personality so well.

"I'll leave the hair modeling to Olivia."

Liv's hair has only gotten longer. If it grows anymore she'll be tripping over it. She's the one that needs a haircut.

"You're obsessed with her." I say.

"No more than she is with me."

"What is the deal with you two anyway? I thought teammates were supposed to get along?"

Tori shakes her head. "It's been like that since freshman year. We play the same position so naturally we've been competitors. I guess it just started on the field during try outs and we never resolved it. So it carried on off the field."

"Hm."

"Aaaaand I elbowed her in the nose our first year and she couldn't start the next day because coach wanted to make sure she was okay. She was going to be the only freshman starter."

"That was you?!" I ask. I laugh a little. "Oh my god she was so mad. You ruined my night that day. I hope you're happy."

Tori smiles. "If that means she didn't get laid, then yes, ecstatic."

I laugh. "Shut up." Though she definitely did get laid that night. I would have done anything to stop her whining.

"She's such a bitch. I don't know how you dated her."

"Woah. She's my best friend and she's not a bitch. You guys should really get to know each other. I think you could be good friends."

"You think Olivia and I could be good friends??" She asks skeptically.

"Yes. Oh I know! Come over for dinner tomorrow. It'll be fun."

"Fun?"

I giggle. "Yes. I'll make sure she's nice to you."

We pull into the parking lot of my apartment.

Tori sighs. "Fine. Yeah let's do it."

"Yay. Thanks for the movie night."

"Hopefully you'll stay awake next time."

"I will because I'm picking. I'll text you with details about dinner."

She smirks. "Okay. See you tomorrow."

"See ya!" I lean over and hug her before getting out.

Tori pulls off after I enter the building. There's a familiar face waiting for me in the lobby. I laugh to myself.

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"Waiting for you."

"I see that but why?"

Chris leans her head against the wall. "This is kind of creepy isn't it?"

"Yes," I say, "but it's always good to see you."

A small smile graces her lips. She lifts her head from the wall. "I just wanted to ask you something."

"Did you delete my number already?" I joke.

She laughs. "Do you want to go to dinner with me Saturday?"

"I-I can't." My heart is racing and it shouldn't be. We're broken up. It's okay if I have plans with another woman. It's okay, Kat.

"Oh... okay."

"How about Friday?" I ask.

She smiles again. "Yes. Friday works. I'll pick you up."

"Okay. Where are we going?"

"G's."

I blink. That place is really fancy. "Wait, is this a date?"

"Yes."

I giggle. "You still want to take me out?"

"I told you I wasn't going to stop trying. I'll do whatever I need to. Court you. Woo you. Get to know you all over again. It doesn't matter. I'm not going anywhere."

I want to kiss her, but I know I shouldn't. I broke up with her. I'm so confused.

"What's wrong?" She asks.

I clear my throat. "Nothing. Yes. Friday then."

"I can't wait." She says calmly.

I can't help but smile. "Good night."

"Goodnight Katia."

She stands there until the elevator doors close. They are the only things keeping me from running into her arms.

________________________________

Katia

Here's the thing, Liv doesn't always deal with bad or upsetting news very well. So I did not tell her Tori would be joining us for dinner tonight. As of right now she thinks it's just going to be us.

"Kitty!" She calls from the kitchen.

"Yes?"

"Try this." She hold a spoon of some type of sauce out for me to taste.

"Mm that's really good."

She's so proud of herself. "I made it from scratch."

"Okay so... Liv?"

"Hm?" She goes back to cooking.

"You know I love you so much right?" I ask.

"Yes."

"And I would do anything for you?"

She looks at me over her shoulder. "Uh huh."

"I have to tell you something."

"Spit it out Kitty."

"We're having a dinner guest." I say

"Chris?" She asks.

"No."

"Elise?" She asks.

"You know her name is Elaine and no."

"I am eternally team Chris." She adjusts the heat on the stove and turns around to face me. She folds her arms. "Who?"

"Tori."

"Kat!" She whines.

The doorbell rings.

"That's her." I say.

Liv tosses her hands in the air.

"Be nice. For me."

She squints her eyes at me.

"Pweeaase Livy?"

"Fine."

I open the door and let Tori in. She follows me to the kitchen. The two of them stare at each other menacingly. Perfect.

Tori helps me set the table and we sit down to eat. For the most part we eat in an unsettling silence. I can't take it.

"Tori, tell Liv you're sorry for elbowing her. Liv, apologize for being an asshole."

Liv scowls.

"I'm sorry, dude. I already told you that." Tori says nervously running a hand through her hair.

"Okay now Liv." I look at her.

"I'm sorry." She rolls her eyes.

"Good. Now can we move on?" I ask.

"And I'm sorry for getting in your face that day I hit Katia." Tori says a little more gently.

Liv sighs and wipes her mouth. "And I'm sorry for kicking your ass."

"Liv." I say but they both laugh. They do some type of high five handshake thing and go back to eating. What was that?

"So what? Are you guys cool now." I ask confused.

Tori shrugs. "Yeah."

"Sure." Liv says.

I stare at the two of them then roll my eyes. Our meal continues. They talk about soccer and their team and more sports.

"What about Brianna?" Tori asks.

"Who's Brianna?" Liv asks.

Tori smirks oh you know Brianna. She makes an obscene hand gesture to mimic large breasts.

Liv laughs. "Why didn't you just say big boob Bri?"

They both start laughing again.

"You two are gross." I say.

"The water girl who only offers you water at practice?"Liv gives Tori a suspicious look.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Tori says trying not to smile.

"I see the way she looks at you." Liv points her fork at Tori.

Tori shakes her head. "No man. She's not my type."

"So what's your type. I have a list of available girls." Liv gloats.

Tori laughs.

"Does Leah know about this list?" I ask.

Liv nearly chokes on her food. Tori laughs.

"It was a joke. A joke." Liv says. She stands up abruptly. "Tori, come here. I want to show you something."

"Ok. Cool." She follows Liv down the hall and suddenly I feel like a third wheel. At least they are not at each other's throats anymore. My job is done. I clear the table and relax on the couch. After a while they come back with wires and Liv's game console.

"What are you two doing now?" I ask. I feel like I'm babysitting.

"The tv is bigger in here." Liv says plugging in the chords.

Tori sits beside me and Liv sits on the other side. Of course they're playing soccer because they could not possibly get enough of it in real life. I make myself comfortable between them and watch them play.

As they talk shit to each other my mind wanders off to Chris and Elaine. I wonder if Chris and I will get back together or if I'll ever feel comfortable enough with Elaine to do with her the things I've done with Chris. Right now it doesn't feel like it. I pull my phone out and begin to text Chris.

I shouldn't.

I won't.

I like Elaine. There's literally nothing to dislike. She's funny, sweet, smart, beautiful, and unique. The girl makes her own juice. She's just... not Chris but it seems like she's what I need right now.

😘

I sigh and toss my phone to the table. I silently watch Tori and Liv play soccer for the rest of the night daydreaming about my upcoming date with Elaine.

____________________________________

Christine